FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. (CP) - A rare white buffalo has been born at the Blatz bison ranch in northeastern British Columbia.

Ranch owner Karen Blatz said Monday the chances of the birth of a white buffalo are about one in 10 million. The calf was born premature, weighing around nine kilograms, and had to be taken from its mother to be bottle-fed.

Blatz said the calf's health continues to improve and he is enjoying the attention.

"He's definitely going to be a pet around here," she said.

"I don't know if he'll be joining the rest of the herd but if he does well that would be a good possibility.

The calf was named Spirit of Peace because he was born in the North Peace country and the calf is a symbol of peace for First Nations.

In some native cultures a white buffalo is a sacred symbol of hope, rebirth and unity.